Small but perfectly formed, the X9 isn’t for everyone but if you’re pushed for space and money, it’s a fine solution

For

Compact and versatile

short throw ratio

a solid all-round performance-per-pound projector

Against

No match for bigger, pricier machines

Reviewed on 13th March 2009

Testing the InFocus X9 allows us to compare the quality available at the budget end of the market, and see where the real value lies.

One thing's for certain, it cuts a diminutive figure compared to its rivals.

It's truly portable and boasts a short-throw ratio to match, capable of displaying a picture from one metre to 12 metres from the screen, depending on how big an image you want.

The X9's versatility extends to its ability to throw an image from a tabletop, ceiling or the rear of the room, while set-up is fairly simple.

Not Full HD resolutionUnsurprisingly, considering the price, this DLP projector doesn't have a Full HD resolution, settling for 1280 x 720, but you can send 1080p/24fps HD video content via the HDMI connection.

More after the break

Elsewhere there's one of each when it comes to standard video connections – component, S-Video and composite are all here – and InFocus claims a 2500:1 contrast ratio alongside a brightness of 1800 lumens.

The credit card-sized remote doesn't have a backlight and even with the lights up we found ours a little unresponsive unless we got the angle to the sensor spot on. We'd also say the X9's noticeably noisier than other models we've tested.

Projected images are bold and sharp We start by viewing some Blu-ray content, in the form of Death Race. Jason Statham may be one-dimensional but the image delivers a decent sense of three-dimensionality, with bold, brighter hues delivered with punch.

Edges are drawn reasonably firmly and the overall image has good sharpness, with only fast action scenes causing a slight loss of clarity.

That said, the InFocus X9 is clearly a step below rivals such as the Sanyo PLV-700 and Panasonic PT-AX200E. It lacks the acute attention to detail, while contrast levels are also less impressive.

Nevertheless, InFocus' X9 projector is a clever little unit and if you're on a very tight budget, or want something that's versatile and can work in a smaller room, we're more than happy to suggest you investigate it.